In the summer of 1959, Sonny Rollins took a break from performing and recording and decided to focus on practicing his saxophone. Rollins was an ambitious and dedicated musician, and he was determined to improve his playing and develop his own unique style.
To avoid distractions, Rollins chose to practice on the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City. The bridge was quiet and secluded, and it provided Rollins with the solitude and focus he needed to practice. Every day, Rollins would take his saxophone and a portable amplifier to the bridge, and he would play for hours on end.
Rollins’ practice sessions on the bridge were a well-known secret among the jazz community, and many musicians came to see him play. However, the general public was unaware of Rollins’ presence on the bridge, and he was able to practice in peace.
Rollins’ practice sessions on the bridge had a major impact on his playing, and they helped him to develop his own unique style. He was able to focus on his playing and experiment with new ideas, and he emerged from his time on the bridge as a more confident and accomplished musician. The sessions also inspired his album “The Bridge”, which was released in 1962 and featured Rollins playing with a new group of musicians. The album was a major success, and it cemented Rollins’ reputation as one of the leading saxophonists of his time.
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